California Party Shooting Victims Obituary

COVINA, Calif. (AP) - Eight bodies were found Thursday in the ashes of a home where a gunman in a Santa Claus costume opened fire during a Christmas Eve party before setting the house ablaze, police said. Coroner's Lt. Larry Dietz said a ninth body was found Friday morning. None have been identified because of charring.

Officers found the body of suspect Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, at his brother's home early Thursday in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles. Pardo had died from a single gunshot wound to the head, Los Angeles police Sgt. Martin Guerrero said.

"He was going through some type of marital problems, and we believe that this residence is a relative's residence," Lt. Pat Buchanan said.

The gunman arrived at the party in Covina late Wednesday and immediately opened fire with a handgun, Buchanan said.

Raney said he then used a homemade incendiary device to set the home on fire.

Witnesses told police that the man took off the Santa suit and left the scene of the burning house in street clothes.

Jan Gregory, a neighbor, said about 25 people were at the party when the gunshots rang out and people started running from the house.

Buchanan said three other people were injured. A woman in her 20s and an 8-year-old girl had gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening, and a third person had a broken ankle.

COVINA, Calif. (AP) - Eight bodies were found Thursday in the ashes of a home where a gunman in a Santa Claus costume opened fire during a Christmas Eve party before setting the house ablaze, police said. Coroner's Lt. Larry Dietz said a ninth body was found Friday morning. None have been identified because of charring.

Officers found the body of suspect Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, at his brother's home early Thursday in the Sylmar area of Los Angeles. Pardo had died from a single gunshot wound to the head, Los Angeles police Sgt. Martin Guerrero said.

"He was going through some type of marital problems, and we believe that this residence is a relative's residence," Lt. Pat Buchanan said.

The gunman arrived at the party in Covina late Wednesday and immediately opened fire with a handgun, Buchanan said.

Raney said he then used a homemade incendiary device to set the home on fire.

Witnesses told police that the man took off the Santa suit and left the scene of the burning house in street clothes.

Jan Gregory, a neighbor, said about 25 people were at the party when the gunshots rang out and people started running from the house.

Buchanan said three other people were injured. A woman in her 20s and an 8-year-old girl had gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening, and a third person had a broken ankle.

Guest Book Highlights

"We can be drawn to God, knowing that he fully understands the pain & sorrow we all suffer because of the untimely deaths of our loved ones. Our complete reliance on “the God of all comfort” will help us to endure our grief & sadness. ..."- Tasha & Jaime Long (SanDiego, CA)

"I did not know any of the people involed but I am sure the family's have lost wonderful family members but Heaven has been given beautiful Angels****"- Sara Cash (Jackson, MI)

"My Heartfelt Prayers and Condolences to all the Families, Soon all wickedness and death will be a thing of the pass. (Psalms 37:9,10,29)"- M Reed (Akron, OH)

"In your time of sadness, may you feel the love and comfort of those you do not know across this nation.....God be with everyone who is suffering. I am so very sorry...."- Marie (VA)